It seems that Makita has come out with a new 18V cordless 23 gauge pin nailer, XTP02Z. There’s no indication as to whether it will place their existing cordless pin nailer, but it probably will – unless there’s a reason hidden to me.
Compared to the other model, XTP01Z, the new pin nailer can handle an additional smaller pin size (5/8″). The new nailer is still large, and weighs more than the other model, but I find myself more drawn to the improved design.
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I can’t speak about the internals, but the outsides of the new pin nailer are completely different, from the handle, to the pin magazine release button.
Makita’s earlier cordless nailer was met with negative user reviews on Amazon. When it first appeared on the market, I questioned its ergonomics, saying:
The ergonomics also look a little unconventional – just look at that curved grip – but looks aren’t everything.
It’s still true that looks aren’t everything, but the new design has me optimistic.
- Works with 23 gauge pin nails, 5/8″ to 1-3/8″
- 5/8″, 11/16″, ¾”, 1″, 1-3/16″, 1-3/8″ nail sizes
- 120 pin magazine capacity
- “Refined firing mechanism reduces recoil”
- Anti-dry fire mechanism
- Tool-free depth adjustment
- Contact trigger
- LED worklight
- Rubber bumpers
- Reversible belt hook
- Drives up to 5300 nails on 5.0Ah battery charge
Price: $248 for the bare tool
Price: $189-200 for the bare tool
Buy Now(via Acme Tool)
Buy Now(via Tool Nut)
Buy Now(via Amazon) (Inflated pricing at the time of this posting)
First Thoughts
The new Makita 18V 23 ga cordless pin nailer is still a lot larger and heavier than air solutions, unless you take into account the size and weight of the smallest air compressor you can use an air nailer with.
It looks more compact than the previous/other model, and as far as I can tell, it’s been completely redesigned. So this isn’t just a slightly updated model, it looks to be an entirely new nailer.
Quite frankly, I’m a little stunned at the new design and how much optimism it gives me. Of course, looks don’t mean everything, and it could perform just lousily. But the features and suggested ergonomics would make me eager to find out.
Do you know what else surprises me about the new nailer, in a good way? A built-in battery fuel gauge. *Thumbs up*
Your options are very limited when it comes to cordless pin nailers. This one doesn’t just look like a cordless crown stapler rejiggered to work with pin nails, it looks like a thoughtful redesign.
For those of you that often work with 23 gauge pin nailers, how inclined are you to try this one?
Blythe M
The early pre release reviews I’ve seen on instagram seem to indicate this one is vastly improved over the previous iteration. Everyone called the old one garbage and this one a home run, able to handle hardwoods well if I remember correctly
fred
That would be a good thing. I tried the olderXTP01Z and did not like it – based on its wasting my time. Maybe I would have gotten better using it – but I gave up after I couldn’t get it to consistently sink pins in Poplar and found it useless for Oak and Maple.
fred
BTW – if Makita is listening they should give owners of the XTP01Z a decent trade in allowance on this new one.
ktash
Wonder how it compares to the ryobi. It’s a lot more expensive, so I wonder what advantages it has vs that one. I’ve had very good luck with the Ryobi, especially since your post on what to do about it sticking.
fred
As far as I know – Ryobi doesn’t make a 21ga or 23ga. pinner – only an 18ga brad nailer. I believe that the Ryobi Air Strike brad nailer has been getting good reviews.
JC
I really do wonder why Ryobi hasn’t rounded out their cordless nailer collection with a pin nailer and framing nailer. Their airstrike nailers have gotten such good reviews and Id love to stick with Ryobi for this category.
The youtube reivews of the Makita pinner look good and Im considering adding Makita to the toolbox with this nailer and a few other innovative tools they have recently come out with.
Stuart
Perhaps they don’t project strong sales for a pin nailer the size of a cordless brad nailer?
Cordless nailers are better than ever, but nailer sizing is not yet proportional to nail size.
Ryan
Yeah as far as my I know only Makita has a cordless pinner on the market.
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Hitachi makes one now that looks nice.
Doresoom
Makita also just came out with a 12V CXT 23 gauge pinner, TP03Z.
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How does this one compare? I originally wanted the 12v system with the TP03Z nailer, but ended up going with 18v.
JMG
I may try this one out at some point, but I am a bit skeptical after the lack of performance of both the previous pinner and brad gun. I will probably wait until there is a price reduction or special offering before attempting one of Makita’s cordless nail guns again. The annoyance factor from the last one is still too high and I want to see a torture test without any failures in driving the pins into hardwoods.
Waylon
I’m still waiting on a cordless finish nailer.
John
I had been waiting to see the XTP02Z released since its recent announcement but its only *just* now getting into market and trickling in the last week. Don’t buy it from Amazon, there is a huge markup due to early release there its been at ToolNut and Acme Tools for a few days at $189-$199 NOT $250:
http://www.toolnut.com/makita-xtp02z-18v-cordless-pin-nailer-23-ga-tool-only.html
http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/makita-xtp02z
Amazon doesnt even have this in stock its a sitting listing. Their M.O is to to start listing new release tools with zero inventory at high prices and lengthy estimated (1-2 month shipping times) so they can sit on shopping listings and searches on Google etc.
fred
These online merchants all seem to have the same sort of gimmick. Acme Tools shows it with a price of $375 with a line through it (as if it was ever at this price) and then says “Now $199.99” and “arriving soon” – why insult our intelligence? Maybe this sort of merchandising is normal – but you have to laugh.
Tool Nut – is better – no implied price cut – just a $189.00 price listed – but their fine print says “Out of stock – usually ships in 1-2 days” . How they can say “usually ships in any timeframe – when the item has just been announced – is another miracle of English language usage.
Alon
The shipping is coming out directly from Makita stock bypassing Tool Nut
Stuart
Thanks! I updated the post.
I did a quick search earlier but didn’t see those listings. Sorry if they were there and I missed them!
Amazon sometimes does that with Makita pre-launch pricing, but I guess I didn’t think about the possibility this time.
glenn
I have just added a couple of Makita CXT 12v tools to my collection and I will definitely looking at the CXT 12v version, TP03Z, when its available in Australia. Here is hoping its a decent tool.
Carmelo
I had the first one and it was a big disappointment. The 2nd one looks like an improvement, but it still seems like it isn’t able to sink an 1 3/8 pin into hardwood all of the time.
Skip to 8:10 in the video
Hilton
I would suggest that shooting 1-3/8 pins is not its main focus or strength. Think crown molding or picture frames for a better use. Use a 18ga nailer if you want to build a deck.
fred
My XTP01Z couldn’t handle cabinet “rope molding” cherry trim with 5/8 inch pins – let alone any other hardwood trim. I use a pinner for small accent moldings – where a larger brad would split the molding or be noticeable. I had hopes for the earlier Makita – for trimming out a new kitchen I was doing at one of the kid’s houses. I had thought it would avoid my running a noisy compressor and air hose. I’ve seldom encountered a problem using my Grex 23ga. and Cadex 21ga. pneumatic pinners – but that first Makita was a dud and had to switch back to the Grex.
Matt
I really hope Makita figures out the cordless nailer side of things. I bought the 18ga brad nailer and returned it due to poor penetration and many jams in the little time I used it. I had a 16ga Dewalt before I switched to Makita when upgrading to Li-Ion and everything else has been great, but man do I miss the convenience of a cordless nailer. I’m tempted to buy the Ryobi brad or finish gun (or both), but I hate having multiple battery lines to deal with…
Brien
Come on DEWALT. Daddy needs a new 20V pinner……… not to mention a brad nailer…. when ever I can get a bare tool version.
Mike McFalls
The first version gets a bad wrap in my opinion. I’ve had mine for more than a year and have been very happy with it for work making small wooden crates, repairing furniture, nailing intricate mouldings and toe kick.
I too was initially was hesitant to purchase, for the same reason cited, the Amazon reviews. I cannot recall what the reviewers were using the original for, but in the wide array of jobs I have used mine- it’s been terrific. In fact the only time it didn’t set nails was when I didn’t apply the correct amount of force- to hold the two piece firmly together.
Anyway- it exciting to see all the new makita tools on the horizon. This pin nailer, the cordless router, and the newly released rear handle led cordless circular saw are just a few that I am looking forward to getting my hands on.
Brien
Ok Milwaukee, your turn!
Josh
I’ve been using makita cordless for 10+ years. This and the 18g are the only ones I’ve returned.
Why sell a product if testing proves it sucks…
Get it right first